September 18, 2013 VA Chapter Meeting Summary
September 18, 2013 VA Chapter Meeting Summary The ATSSA Virginia Chapter President Mark Council called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. on September 18, 2013. Present along with Mark was Virginia Chapter officer David Rush, Secretary. Mark informed the chapter that we are still in need of a Vice President/ President Elect for our chapter and more on this would be addressed later in the meeting. Self introductions were held around the room, with 28 persons in attendance, plus Dan Williams and four other ATSSA staff members (see attachment A). Due to renovations in the board room of ATSSA headquarters, the meeting was held at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Fredericksburg. It was determined that a quorum had been achieved. The following reports and presentations were given:
Mark provided the Treasurer’s Report. Currently, there is approximately $3600 in the Virginia Chapter accountant.
The minutes from the last Virginia Chapter meeting held on April 17, 2013, were approved by all.
Mark gave the Presidents report by stating that a Chapter Strategic Plan is needed and that a small task group would be meeting soon to work on it. Volunteers to assist on this are welcomed.
Laura Perrotta of ATSSA gave a Government Relations update through use of a PowerPoint presentation. Work is already underway on a new transportation bill and Laura and Nate are busy meeting with members of congress. Laura shared TZD (Toward Zero Deaths) brochures and informed the chapter that TZD stickers are available to place on vehicles. Laura stated that chapters are being asked for legislative liaisons from each chapter to assist in sharing local or statewide information to her and Nate. Pat Conway and Mark Council volunteered to assist with this.
Committee/Task Teams Reports: o Membership Committee – Since this committee is chaired by the President elect and we have not had one for awhile, Dan Williams shared a “Top 3” referral form with the chapter members to use to identify potential ATSSA members (see attachment B). Completed forms should be returned to Dan for ATSSA staff to conduct follow-up calls. Dan also made available a Virginia Chapter Members list (see attachment C). Mark stated that since Mike Stid is no longer in the industry and he had accepted the position of Vice President/President Elect; a new VP/PE is needed for our chapter. The name of David McKee was “volunteered” for consideration for the position. Mark stated that if any other persons wanted to be considered, to please let him know prior to the next meeting when elections will be held.
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o Temporary Traffic Control Committee – Ginger Quinn stated that the committee had not met since the last chapter meeting. Final revisions are being made to Section 512 of the VDOT Road and Bridge Specifications, and the final draft document will be reviewed by this committee. o Pavement Marking Committee – Mark stated that Andy Gross was the chairman of this committee and since he is no longer with the Chapter, a new chairman is needed, as well as members. Pat Conway (Roadmark Corp.), Jason Antonucci (3M Co.), and Scott Merriman (Payne’s Parking Design), and Harry Campbell of VDOT volunteered to serve on this committee. o Guardrail committee – a chairman and members are needed for this committee. Paul Kelley of VDOT will talk with potential guardrail members when he meets with them at the end of this month and will discuss this need with them.
The following ATSSA Updates were covered in today’s meeting: o Dan briefly discussed Chapter Partnerships and introduced the following speakers:
Bob Felt of Midwest Communication Consulting discussed “Connect the DOT’s” partnership program which is designed to create and enhance local, regional, and national safety teams via ATSSA chapters and focus more on collaboration with DOT’s and other public agencies. A new category for agency participation has been developed, with Arizona, Kansas, Michigan and Texas DOT’s being the first to join. David stated that he would like to see VDOT participate in this way, and will discuss with management.
Jim Baron of ATSSA briefly discussed EP 101, a synopsis of an Event Planning training course Jim offers to members.
David Rush of VDOT briefly shared his thoughts on the advantages of industry and agency partnerships, allowing agencies to talk with industry members in developing new practices and procedures, specifications, and working together in solving issues before they become larger problems. It’s been an advantage for VDOT to have ATSSA headquarters in Virginia, allowing us to work on training products, creating national programs such as National WZ Awareness Week, and jointly provide assistance to FHWA.
o Donna Clark of ATSSA shared with the chapter the success of ATSSA obtaining the 3 year contract to print, store, and sell VDOT work zone safety materials, and how it has been a win – win for both organizations. Unfinished Business – o Mark told the chapter members that a Chapter Participation matrix is in need of review and updating and he hopes to have it completed and out before the next chapter meeting.
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New Business – o Sue Reiss gave a presentation on ATSS Foundation activities. The Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship Fund has awarded 43 scholarships to 25 students since 2002, and awarded five scholarships in 2013. The annual golf classic and new Sporting Clays Event are the major fund raising activities of the Foundation. Sue stressed that the Foundation does not receive funding through ATSSA member dues, but through the donations and contributions of members. The Northland Chapter has issued a challenge to the other ATSSA Chapters to hold a golf tournament and donate proceeds to the Foundation. The chapter discussed possible fund raising events, and all thought a dunking booth at the annual Traffic Expo would be a great way to raise funds for the Foundation. o Mark asked if two meetings a year were adequate, or should more be held? The pros and cons of more meetings and their locations were held, with the majority believing that two meetings were sufficient at this time. Consideration of having a meeting in southwest Virginia was requested and to be entertained, however it was felt that the spring meeting should be held in conjunction with the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance meeting in Hampton (the next VTCA conference is April 2-4). o Dan informed the chapter that national ATSSA is in conversations with FMCSA over TMA incidents. Members will be kept updated on what transpires. o Dan had an opportunity to attend the recent ATSSA Instructor meeting in August held with the training department staff, and found out that many instructors felt they were not welcomed to attend chapter meetings. As members of ATSSA, they are more than welcome to attend our meetings anytime their schedule allows. o Dan briefly discussed the ATSSA Leadership Program which is under development by national staff, and encouraged members to consider participating in this multiple day training event, to be held beginning March 29, 2014, along with the legislation fly-in event scheduled for April 3. Dan asked that the members contact him (800-272-8772, ext. 157) for additional information. o Dan briefly discussed new technologies by referring to the presentation made at the Mid-year meeting on VAS drone technology. Dan encouraged the members to think of how something like this could contribute to roadway safety once it becomes available in 2015, and that we have the opportunity to help develop standards and applications for its use. Open Discussion – Melanie McKee of ATSSA advised the chapter that lodging reservations for the 2014 Convention and Traffic Expo in San Antonio should only be made using the ATSSA website. As a member of ATSSA, there is a chance an outside housing company may contact you to try secure a hotel reservation, however, these companies are not affiliated or working with ATSSA, and reservations made through these companies for our meeting cannot be guaranteed 3
The Convention and Traffic Expo will be held February 21-25, 2014. Jim Baron reminded everyone that National Work Zone Awareness Week will be held April 711, 2014 and the media kickoff event will be held in Seattle, Washington. There being no further discussion items, a motion to adjourn was made and seconded and the meeting adjourned at 12:22 p.m. Recorded by David Rush Attachments
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Mark provided the Treasurer’s Report. Currently, there is approximately $3600 in the Virginia Chapter accountant.
The minutes from the last Virginia Chapter meeting held on April 17, 2013, were approved by all.
Mark gave the Presidents report by stating that a Chapter Strategic Plan is needed and that a small task group would be meeting soon to work on it. Volunteers to assist on this are welcomed.
Laura Perrotta of ATSSA gave a Government Relations update through use of a PowerPoint presentation. Work is already underway on a new transportation bill and Laura and Nate are busy meeting with members of congress. Laura shared TZD (Toward Zero Deaths) brochures and informed the chapter that TZD stickers are available to place on vehicles. Laura stated that chapters are being asked for legislative liaisons from each chapter to assist in sharing local or statewide information to her and Nate. Pat Conway and Mark Council volunteered to assist with this.
Committee/Task Teams Reports: o Membership Committee – Since this committee is chaired by the President elect and we have not had one for awhile, Dan Williams shared a “Top 3” referral form with the chapter members to use to identify potential ATSSA members (see attachment B). Completed forms should be returned to Dan for ATSSA staff to conduct follow-up calls. Dan also made available a Virginia Chapter Members list (see attachment C). Mark stated that since Mike Stid is no longer in the industry and he had accepted the position of Vice President/President Elect; a new VP/PE is needed for our chapter. The name of David McKee was “volunteered” for consideration for the position. Mark stated that if any other persons wanted to be considered, to please let him know prior to the next meeting when elections will be held.
1
o Temporary Traffic Control Committee – Ginger Quinn stated that the committee had not met since the last chapter meeting. Final revisions are being made to Section 512 of the VDOT Road and Bridge Specifications, and the final draft document will be reviewed by this committee. o Pavement Marking Committee – Mark stated that Andy Gross was the chairman of this committee and since he is no longer with the Chapter, a new chairman is needed, as well as members. Pat Conway (Roadmark Corp.), Jason Antonucci (3M Co.), and Scott Merriman (Payne’s Parking Design), and Harry Campbell of VDOT volunteered to serve on this committee. o Guardrail committee – a chairman and members are needed for this committee. Paul Kelley of VDOT will talk with potential guardrail members when he meets with them at the end of this month and will discuss this need with them.
The following ATSSA Updates were covered in today’s meeting: o Dan briefly discussed Chapter Partnerships and introduced the following speakers:
Bob Felt of Midwest Communication Consulting discussed “Connect the DOT’s” partnership program which is designed to create and enhance local, regional, and national safety teams via ATSSA chapters and focus more on collaboration with DOT’s and other public agencies. A new category for agency participation has been developed, with Arizona, Kansas, Michigan and Texas DOT’s being the first to join. David stated that he would like to see VDOT participate in this way, and will discuss with management.
Jim Baron of ATSSA briefly discussed EP 101, a synopsis of an Event Planning training course Jim offers to members.
David Rush of VDOT briefly shared his thoughts on the advantages of industry and agency partnerships, allowing agencies to talk with industry members in developing new practices and procedures, specifications, and working together in solving issues before they become larger problems. It’s been an advantage for VDOT to have ATSSA headquarters in Virginia, allowing us to work on training products, creating national programs such as National WZ Awareness Week, and jointly provide assistance to FHWA.
o Donna Clark of ATSSA shared with the chapter the success of ATSSA obtaining the 3 year contract to print, store, and sell VDOT work zone safety materials, and how it has been a win – win for both organizations. Unfinished Business – o Mark told the chapter members that a Chapter Participation matrix is in need of review and updating and he hopes to have it completed and out before the next chapter meeting.
2
New Business – o Sue Reiss gave a presentation on ATSS Foundation activities. The Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship Fund has awarded 43 scholarships to 25 students since 2002, and awarded five scholarships in 2013. The annual golf classic and new Sporting Clays Event are the major fund raising activities of the Foundation. Sue stressed that the Foundation does not receive funding through ATSSA member dues, but through the donations and contributions of members. The Northland Chapter has issued a challenge to the other ATSSA Chapters to hold a golf tournament and donate proceeds to the Foundation. The chapter discussed possible fund raising events, and all thought a dunking booth at the annual Traffic Expo would be a great way to raise funds for the Foundation. o Mark asked if two meetings a year were adequate, or should more be held? The pros and cons of more meetings and their locations were held, with the majority believing that two meetings were sufficient at this time. Consideration of having a meeting in southwest Virginia was requested and to be entertained, however it was felt that the spring meeting should be held in conjunction with the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance meeting in Hampton (the next VTCA conference is April 2-4). o Dan informed the chapter that national ATSSA is in conversations with FMCSA over TMA incidents. Members will be kept updated on what transpires. o Dan had an opportunity to attend the recent ATSSA Instructor meeting in August held with the training department staff, and found out that many instructors felt they were not welcomed to attend chapter meetings. As members of ATSSA, they are more than welcome to attend our meetings anytime their schedule allows. o Dan briefly discussed the ATSSA Leadership Program which is under development by national staff, and encouraged members to consider participating in this multiple day training event, to be held beginning March 29, 2014, along with the legislation fly-in event scheduled for April 3. Dan asked that the members contact him (800-272-8772, ext. 157) for additional information. o Dan briefly discussed new technologies by referring to the presentation made at the Mid-year meeting on VAS drone technology. Dan encouraged the members to think of how something like this could contribute to roadway safety once it becomes available in 2015, and that we have the opportunity to help develop standards and applications for its use. Open Discussion – Melanie McKee of ATSSA advised the chapter that lodging reservations for the 2014 Convention and Traffic Expo in San Antonio should only be made using the ATSSA website. As a member of ATSSA, there is a chance an outside housing company may contact you to try secure a hotel reservation, however, these companies are not affiliated or working with ATSSA, and reservations made through these companies for our meeting cannot be guaranteed 3
The Convention and Traffic Expo will be held February 21-25, 2014. Jim Baron reminded everyone that National Work Zone Awareness Week will be held April 711, 2014 and the media kickoff event will be held in Seattle, Washington. There being no further discussion items, a motion to adjourn was made and seconded and the meeting adjourned at 12:22 p.m. Recorded by David Rush Attachments
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